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Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mid and Later Life

Edited by Scott D. Wright, PhD

Quick Overview

Bringing together a wealth of professional and academic research, alongside personal insights into aging and autism, this edited sourcebook focusses on the challenges faced by individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and are middle aged or older.

Description

Bringing together international academics and professionals who are actively researching and working in the field, this pioneering scholarly volume covers the issues faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) in mid and later life.

Including a range of personal, academic and clinical perspectives, the book considers historical and contemporary perspectives on autism, including diagnosis, developmental outcomes and life course issues. Attention is given to medical, care and psychological issues that arise as people with ASD age, such as declining cognitive function and speech and communication issues. Family, community support, housing, advocacy, and socio-cultural considerations for older adults with ASD are also given careful consideration, and there are chapters on relationship and sexuality issues and on environmental design.

Reviews

'This new textbook provides an important introduction to the broad range of issues faced by mid- and later-life adults with an autism spectrum disorder. It links the personal experiences of affected individuals and their families with the perspectives of researchers from genetics and psychology through policy. Many of the chapters acknowledge that, unfortunately, we are only at the start of research efforts to understand the challenges faced by this aging population. Nevertheless Scott Wright has produced the first comprehensive textbook on this topic and it will undoubtedly frame this critical conversation going forward.'
- Joseph Piven M.D., Thomas E. Castelloe Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Psychology, Director, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

'There is a significant lack of knowledge about adults, particularly older adults, with autism. This book, on the challenges and promises of autism in later life, sets out to redress this situation, with contributions from individuals with autism, parents, clinicians and researchers from many disciplines. It focuses not just on the difficulties of growing older, but also on positive ways in which the future for older individuals with autism can be improved. It should be essential reading for anyone involved with adults with autism, and for those seeking to improve the transition from childhood to adult life.'
- Patricia Howlin, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Child Psychology, King’s College, London; Professor of Developmental Disorders, University of Sydney

'This is an important book on an essential topic... Scott Wright has managed to gather together a wonderful array of perspectives: cultural as well as biological; self-advocacy alongside clinical and research voices; family, community and societal viewpoints... This volume is a vital first step towards a better future for people with ASD growing old.'
- from the foreword by Professor Francesca Happé